Just a few months ago, Bambu surprised everyone by launching a small bed launcher. The company is well known in 3D printing circles for its high-end CoreXY models, and many thought it wouldn’t bother with bed slingers.
Now there’s another surprise: the A1. Perhaps we all should have seen it coming given the A1 Mini’s name, but here it is.
Instead of a cantilever design, the A1 is similar to many other bed slingers such as the Ender 3 and features a two-post gantry for the Z axis. The covered design prevents dirt from entering the drive system and prevents you from getting greasy fingers.
Importantly, the A1 has the same build volume – 256 x 256 x 256mm – as the P1S and X1C, and is compatible with the AMS Lite launched alongside the A1 Mini. This means it can print up to four colors.
When is the Bambu A1 release date?
The A1 is available for purchase immediately on Bambu’s website, and the company says the first batch of Combo units (see below) are ready to ship from local warehouses.
How much does the Bambu A1 cost?
The printer alone costs £369/$399, which is £100/$100 more than the A1 Mini (which can print models up to 180 x 180 x 180mm).
There’s also the A1 Combo that comes with the AMS LIte for £509/$559, again £100/$100 more than the A1 Mini Combo.
It’s worth pointing out that the P1S Combo, reviewed, is considerably more expensive at £869/$949, but lacks some of the A1’s features.
What are the features and specifications of the Bambu A1?
A few of these features are a color touchscreen (3.5-inch, which is larger than the A1 Mini’s 2.4-inch screen) and flow calibration, which helps ensure accurate prints even at high speeds.
For a $399 machine, the spec list is nothing short of enticing. It uses metal rails and linear bearings instead of traditional V-shaped plastic wheels. This also helps with precision and requires essentially no adjustment or maintenance.
The print head appears to be the same as the A1 Mini and has many smart features, including a built-in runout sensor, a sensor to detect tangles on the filament spool, and an electromagnetic current sensor. Foucault to carry out the aforementioned flow. calibration.
Bamboo laboratory
This is all integrated into the HMS – health monitoring system – meaning you receive alerts and error codes on the Bambu Handy mobile app so you know if there is a problem.
Additionally, there is a built-in 1080p camera that allows you to remotely view print progress and record timelapses.
Plus, the hotend can be replaced in less than 30 seconds, with no wires involved – just a single clip.
Beyond that, there’s full auto-calibration of bed leveling and vibration compensation (for both the X and Y axes) as well as an intelligent noise reduction system that prevents noisy movements.
Combined with the AMS Lite, the A1 brings multicolor printing to the masses.
As it is not closed, Bambu recommends using the A1 with PLA, PETG, TPU and PVA, but not with ABS, PA, PC, PET or ASA which tend to warp if the ambient temperature is not controlled, and the A1 is not enclosed like the P1S.
Hopefully the touchscreen doesn’t lag like the A1 Mini’s.
Bambu A1 Specifications
- FDM 3D printer
- Steel + aluminum chassis
- Full metal hotend
- Nozzle diameter 0.4 mm (0.2, 0.6 and 0.8 mm nozzles optional)
- Uses 1.75mm PLA/TPU/PETG/PVA filament
- Maximum print size: 256x256x256mm
- Maximum build plate temperature: 80°C
- Maximum nozzle temperature 300°C
- MicroSD slot + Wi-Fi
- 1080p camera
- Maximum print speed 500 mm/s
- Maximum acceleration 10 m/s²
- 110-240V AC Input
- Power consumption of 1300 W (220 V)
- Weight 8.3kg
- Printer size: 385 mm × 410 mm × 430 mm (LDH)
If you’re interested in other models, read our roundup of the best 3D printers.
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